Double points unlikely

A DOUBLE demerit point system in Tasmania is unlikely to be implemented despite a push from the Tasmanian Greens and its successful use in other states.

Greens Infrastructure spokesman Tim Morris told The Examiner yesterday his party wished to again pursue a three-year trial in Tasmania on selected weekends and holidays.

Western Australia has had a double demerit system in place since Easter 2002 and its Road Safety Council chairman Professor Murray Lampard said it was an initiative that encouraged drivers to take extra care on the road during busy times.

"Clear evidence shows that there is a noticeable reduction in people detected for traffic offences, despite an increased police presence, and this results in reductions of West Australians killed or seriously injured on our roads," Professor Lampard said.

However, Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said Tasmania did not have a spike in crashes during holiday periods and there was no reason to target motorists at these times.

"There is no strong evidence to suggest that introducing double demerit points would make a difference to the number of road crashes in Tasmania," Mr O'Byrne said.

"We will continue to take an evidence-based approach to road safety underpinned by the work of the Road Safety Advisory Council and the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy."